Yaamaguchimaguchi Prrefectureefecture Outline of Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in the westernmost part 1400km of the island of , and is surrounded on three sides 1200km by the sea. With the Chugoku range running 1000km SSapporoapporo from East to West, can be broadly BBeijingeijing 800km divided up into three : the area, the TianjinTianjin DalianDalian 600km PPyongyangyongyang SendaiSendai inland mountain area, and the Sea coast area. JinanJinan km SSeouleoul 400 QingdaoQingdao NiigataNiigata The population is approximately 1.5 million people, and TTokyookyo NNagoyaagoya PusanPusan km KKyotoyoto the surface area of Yamaguchi Prefecture is approximately 10 0 OOkayamakayama YYamaguchiamaguchi HHiroshimairoshima OOsakasaka 2 KKitakyushuitakyushu 6,100km . The prefectural government capital is in FFukuokaukuoka MMatsuyamaatsuyama

ShanghaiShanghai Yamaguchi .

HHangzhouangzhou Yamaguchi Prefecture boasts a mild climate, and is largely spared from earthquakes, and flood and storm damage. It enjoys the reputation of being a very TTaipeiaipei comfortable place to live. Yamaguchi has approximately 1,500km of coastline, which includes the calm Seto Inland Sea National Park which is dotted with many islands, and the wild, rough coast of the Japan Sea at the Kita Nagato Kaigan National Park. There are around 240 islands scattered throughout the coastal and off-shore areas. The green, mountainous plateau situated at the western edge of the Chugoku mountain range comprises the largest karst plateau and limestone cave in Japan, which make up the Akiyoshidai National Park. Our prefecture receives many visitors who wish to see the changing seasons in the primeval forests, and beautiful gorges that make up the Western Chugoku Mountain Range National Park.

Symbols of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Prefectural Flower Prefectural Emblem (Citrus orange) The emblem for Yamaguchi Prefecture Citron Blossom is abundant in Nagato combines the characters for ‘yama’ City. In May, the citrus smell of many (mountain) and ‘guchi’ (mouth) into the white blossoms floats in the air. image of a bird soaring towards the sun.

Prefectural Tree Prefectural Animal Prefectural Bird Prefectural Fish (Japanese red pine) (Honshu deer) (Hooded crane) (:Globefish) Japanese Red Pine can be found all over There are over 2600 Shika Deer currently Yashiro, Shunan City, is the only migration Yamaguchi Prefecture was the first the prefecture. It can grow almost residing in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The ground for Hooded Cranes on the island of prefecture in Japan to lift the ban on anywhere and is resistant to drought. Shika Deer was selected as prefectural Honshu. The Hooded Crane was selected eating Fugu (Globefish). Fugu was animal in 1964 from suggestions in 1964 from suggestions solicited from the selected as the prefectural fish in 1989. solicited from the public. public. The history of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture has been influenced by the nearby Asian Continent since as early as the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, when wet land rice cultivation methods began. Between the 4th and 5th centuries AD, the Yamato Imperial Court unified Japan under a national government. Yamaguchi Prefecture was made up of seven , which were integrated into the two of Suo and Nagato in the 7th century. From the to the (AD 794 – 1333), there was a rising of the clans, and the Ouchi family of Suo , and the Koto family of Nagato Province gained influence as powerful warrior clans. In the (1338 – 1573) the 24th ruler of the Ouchi family, Ouchi Hiroyo, conquered both areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Ouchi clan imitated the city planning of , and accumulated great financial power through importing culture from the continent, and trading with and the Ming Dynasty in . As a result, Yamaguchi came to be known as the “Kyoto of the West”, and the impressive ‘Ouchi Culture’ flourished. However, the 31st ruler of the proud Ouchi clan was defeated by Sue Harutaka. The Sue clan was then defeated by Mori Motonari, and the Mori family gained control of the Chugoku . However, Mori was defeated by in the in 1600, and forced to give up all his land except for the Suo and Nagato areas, and he built his castle in Hagi City. Mori then began his attempt to strengthen the economic base of the region, and increase local production with his ‘Three Whites’ campaign - (salt, rice, and paper). At the end of the , a lot of energy was invested in education, producing successive men of talent such as Yoshida Shoin and . They were a driving force in the and played a significant role in the formation of the modern Japanese nation. Five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple Four years after the Edo Shogunate was overthrown and the Meiji government formed in 1868, the present Yamaguchi Prefecture was established. The Meiji government brought in many new systems and modern policies, and promoted the introduction of modern industry. Cement production and silk thread production factories were set up in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and although this was the beginning of modern industry, Meiji Period Yamaguchi was generally centered round agriculture. In the Taisho period, shipbuilding, chemical, machinery, and metal working plants were built one after another in Yamaguchi’s harbors in the Seto Inland Sea area, which are blessed with abundant minerals and natural resources. In the Showa Period, when the Petroleum collective was formed after the war, Yamaguchi continued to develop, and became one of the most industrialized prefectures in the .

Sesshu Garden at Joeiji Temple

Shoka-son juku Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Industry

●Industry

Centered round the Seto Inland Sea coastal area, there is a collection of various corporate groups, and there are many efforts to improve skills at the arbitrary research centers, and the corporate research center which has a high potential to promote skills. On the other hand, the proportion of industries based on raw materials such as chemicals, petroleum and metals is high, and it is an industrial structure easily able to adapt to the needs of the economy. In order to accurately reflect the changing circumstances that encompass these issues and industries, we are advancing the creation of new industry and the development of new enterprises, and working to promote a stronghold of advanced skills to attract new businesses. Also, through the exchanges between private companies, universities, and state companies, we are helping the Industrial Estate development of new skills, new products, and research.

●Agriculture, forestry and fisheries

Since the Mori family’s ‘Three Whites’ campaign, traditionally rice cultivation has thrived in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Agricultural land has increased through the basic overhaul of land reclamation and the construction of rice paddies. This has resulted in around 80% of agricultural land being used as rice paddies. Rice cultivation accounts for around 40% of the agriculture. However, the steadily decreasing number of people working in agriculture has resulted inan ageing population of people involved in agriculture. We are working towards increasing the number of young people whilst creating an efficient production system for localized agriculture. The warm climate of Yamaguchi Prefecture is especially well-suited for forestry. Around 70% of the total area of the prefecture is wooded. Around 60% of the growth is evergreen, including red pine, cedar, and cypress trees. In recent years, many people have been working towards creating much fuller forests in an overhaul aimed at protecting the land and environment in our prefecture. The marine products industry thrives in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is surrounded on three sides by the sea. Due to an international system limiting fishing grounds to 200 nautical miles, there has been a decrease in marine resources. In an effort to restore these marine resources, we are actively promoting resource management of the marine industry, through the nursery stocks of tiger blowfish, plaice, and shrimps.

Pastoral Wooded Landscape

Shimonoseki Fishing Port Yamaguchi Prefecture’s International Exchanges

●Outline of Alliances and Sister-city ties

Our prefecture made alliances and sister-city ties with China’s Province in 1982, Korea’s Gyeongsangnam-Do in 1987, and Spain’s Navarra Province in November 2003. In recent years we have been working to create more practical exchanges with regards to economic, , environmental protection, and forestry areas with Shandong Province (population of roughly 90 million), which is famous for being the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius and the Yellow River Civilization. We have also been working to deepen exchanges, particularly those between youngsters, and with regards to skills in the environmental field, education, and communication with Gyeongsangnam-Do in Korea (population of roughly 3 million) which faces the Tsu-shima Straights and has many tourism areas including cultural relics, and natural beauty spots. Navarra Province (population of roughly 600 thousand), with whom we have a close relationship full of history and culture from St. , is located in the northern part of Spain, separated from by the Pyrenees mountain range. In the past it had a thriving agricultural sector, but it also has a representative tourism industry. We are continuing with our cultural, educational, and economic based exchanges. Volunteers from Yamaguchi Prefecture planting trees in Shandong Province, China

Celebrating 15 years of Sister-city ties with Gyeongsangnam-Do in The Signing of Sister-city ties with Korea, a group visits the Government Office Navarra Province in Spain ●Exchanges with Overseas Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

There are 16 Overseas Yamaguchi Kenjinkai associations, which were set up by migrants of Yamaguchi Prefecture, in 9 around the world. In order to construct the Yamaguchi Kenjin Network, which aims to traverse regional boundaries and generations, we held the First Yamaguchi Kenjinkai World Grand Meeting in Yamaguchi city in October 2004. With the momentum from this, we are building a private network aimed at promoting overseas internationalization with the Overseas Kenjinkai, which are important partners for international exchanges.

The First Yamaguchi Kenjinkai World Grand Meeting, held on the 18th October, 2004 Yamaguchi’s Principal Sightseeing Areas

Akiyoshidai: With a surface area of 130km2, Akiyoshidai is the largest karst plateau in Japan. Limestone rocks with white surfaces are exposed on the plateau, and look like flocking sheep on the grassy plains. This great spectacle of plenteous undulating land stretches out before visitors. Hagi’s Old Castle : In the 260 years between the construction of on Akiyoshidai Shizukiyama hill by Mori Terumoto and the creation of the Old Castle Town in the delta area between the two rivers, Matsumotogawa and Hashimotogawa, in 1604, and the ruling clan’s movement to Yamaguchi City in 1863, Hagi flourished as the capital of the two areas that compose the present Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kintaikyo Bridge: Kintaikyo Bridge is a five-arched wooden bridge that stretches over the Nishikigawa River. It was constructed using a ‘wooden lattice’ technique, with metal coils and clamps used in place of nails. The beautiful shape of the bridge creates a stunning picture as it is reflected in the clear flowing water of the Nishikigawa River, and the greenery of Hagi’s Old Castle Town Shiroyama (castle hill). Kintaikyo Bridge Yamaguchi’s Principal

Yuda : It is said that Yuda Onsen was Hot Springs discovered when a white fox was seen bathing its wounds here during the Muromachi Period. This simple alkaline hot spring is said to help ease such ailments as rheumatism, neuralgia and dermatitis.

Yumoto Onsen: This traditional hot spring lies on the banks of the Otozuregawa River. In the summertime the shining dance of the Genji Fireflies is popular. Visitors can also enjoy the true flavor of the ocean at the nearby Senzaki fishing port. The simple alkaline properties of this hot spring are said to help ease such ailments as neuralgia. Yuda Onsen Yumoto Onsen Yamaguchi’s Principal Specialities

Fuku (Blowfish) Cuisine: In , Japan’s principal fishing ground for blowfish, this fish is known as ‘fuku’ (good luck) rather than ‘fugu’ (blowfish). Visitors never Ouchi Lacquer Ware tire of the various tastes of blowfish in such foods as sashimi, fuku nabe Ouchi Lacquer Ware: This lacquer ware, which is (cooked in a pot), fuku in rice porridge, the best representation of the brilliant Ouchi culture, and hire-zake (blowfish fin braised in was once exported to China and Korea. Decorated Japanese sake). with the Ouchi diamond motif, it is famous for trays, Fuku (Blowfish) Cuisine bowls, and vases, as well as Ouchi dolls. Design 21, the future of Yamaguchi

How to continue making a prefecture

With the aim ‘let’s make Yamaguchi Prefecture strong and independent in the 21st century’, citizens and , and are working together voluntarily to create a prefecture with close relationships.

Exchange/Participation -- promote promote active active participation participation and and exchangesexchanges between between many many people. people. TheThe Major Major Role Role of of the the citizens, citizens, cooperation cooperation TheImportanceof betweenbetween cities, cities, towns towns and and villages, villages, as as a a prefecture prefecture Strategic Policies –– reflect reflect the the opinions opinions of of the the public public to to the the prefectural prefectural –– firmly firmly execute execute the the creation creation of of government,government, and and cooperate cooperate with with cities, cities, towns towns and and TheThe Promotion Promotion of of Ideas, Ideas, strategicstrategic policies. policies. villages.villages. ‘independence・ cooperation’, Promotion Devices Devices Reinforcing soft policies FinancialFinancial Efficiency Efficiency –actively–actively promote promote our our soft soft policies, policies, –– work work towards towards simple simple suchsuch as as educating educating talent, talent, and and administration,administration, and and a a sound, sound, humanhuman and and mental mental resources. resources. efficientefficient economy. economy. TheThe Exchange Exchange of of Information Information inin Japan Japan and and around around the the world world –– whilst whilst actively actively contributing contributing to to and and cooperating cooperating with with thethe global global society, society, pass pass on on exciting exciting information information within within thethe country, country, and and abroad. abroad.

The Structure and Hierarchy of the Prefectural Policies

People 1 put forth the citizen’s energy Area 1 creation of an area that has individuality and vitality 2 realization of a society where the youth, who carry the burden of the future, flourish 2 formation of the shape of overseas communities 3 realization of a society where men and women are equal 3 creation of exciting cities 4 construction of a career learning society to parallel many people’s lifestyles 4 promotion of sightseeing and resorts with individuality in the area 5 promotion of school education that teaches the power to live a full life 5 maintenance of the transport network, which broadens exchanges 6 promotion of fun sports that bring happiness 6 promote the information to create a new age 7 promotion of citizens with personality and appeal Living 1 the realization of a moral, healthy welfare society Industry 1 make regional industry that will open the future 2 maintaining lifestyles where people can live securely and comfortably 2 promote agriculture and forestries business that is full of vitality 3 advancement of working people’s lifestyles with leisure time 3 promote fisheries business that is full of vitality 4 advancement and upkeep of an environment of health 4 promote industry that has vitality 5 creation of a prefecture that is safe and high quality 5 promote attractive commerce 6 promote many service industries 7 promote strong small and medium sized enterprises Yamaguchi Prefectural Government International Division 1-1 Takimachi,Yamaguchi City,Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan 753-8501 TEL＋81-83-933-2340 FAX＋81-83-933-2358 【URL】http://www.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp 【e-mail】[email protected]